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What Is Smart Casual Dressing?

Intro

Smart casual dressing is also known as business casual and is usually the preferred dress code for most professional settings like an office, symposiums, academia, church, and some school activities. The function of smart casual dress is to make the person look well put together and professional, but in a slightly more relaxed environment.

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Smart casual or business casual dress for men is a clean, ironed shirt with a collar (like a polo or button down) and only a jacket if the weather permits. Another thing to remember is that business casual also usually means no tie.

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Smart casual pants for men should be either khakis or chinos that are pressed. They can be in any color (as long as its not too over the top), but black or tan are the preferred colors. Jeans are definitely not an option.

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Business casual shoes for men are dress shoes, either brown or black but sometimes grey. And remember to never wear tennis shoes.

blouse (Photo: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images)

Smart or business casual dress for women is a little more flexible than for men. Tops can include blouses, stylish knit tops, a nice sweater set, or classic sleeveless tops with a cardigan or jacket.

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When choosing smart or business casual bottoms, women should wear khakis or black dress pants, knee-length skirts, or pant suits. Again, jeans are definitely not an option.

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For shoes, women would do best to wear either dressy flats or mid to low heels. Sometimes, chic boots can be worn as long as they have a slight heel.

dress (Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images)

The thing to remember about business or smart casual is that it should be modest and neat in appearance, but comfortable. And remember, this dress style does not allow for tennis shoes (which includes Converse style shoes) or jeans.